Hose coupling



April 20, 1948. A. P.- LOFQUIST, JR

- HOSE COUPLING Filed Sept. 8, 1945 Patented Apr. 20. 1948 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE HQSE COUPLING Albert P. Lofquist, Jr., Inglewood, Calif.Application September 8. 1945, Serial No. 615,121

14 Claims. 1

My invention relates to hose couplings, and among the objects of myinvention are:

First, to provide a hose coupling which is particularly desirable foruse in aircraft or in similar applications where dependability of thecoupling is of primary importance.

Second, to provide a hose coupling which imparts a uniformly distributedradial pressure on the hose so that adequate but not excessive pressuremay be applied to all parts of its periphery.

Third, to provide a hose coupling which incorporates novelly arrangedsubstantially indepentiy acting arcuate shoes and a constricting camwhich is not dependent on arcuate displacement of the shoes to effectclamping of the hose.

Fourth, to provide a hose coupling which may be arranged as anindependent unit adapted to cooperate with a conventional nipple andhose; or may incorporate integrally'the hose-nipple.

With the above and other objects in view, reference is directed to theaccompanying drawing. in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of one form of my hosecoupling with the hose nipple shown in elevation.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view thereof taken through 2-2 ofFigure 1.

Figure 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional, partial elevational viewof a modified form of my hose coupling.

Figure 4 is a. transverse sectional taken through 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of the segmental ring structure showinga modified form of the clamping segments.

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of one of the clamping segmentsillustrating that gripping teeth may be provided.

My hose coupling may be arranged as a removable assembly adapted toclamp the hose on a conventional nipple or other fitting, or my hosecoupling may be integrally associated with the nipple. Figures 1 and 2.A conventional nipple having a threaded portion 2 adapted to fit in athreaded opening provided in a wall A or other structure and providedwith a tubular extended portion 3, is adapted to receive the end of ahose B. The nipple I may include a suitable tool-receiving portion 4adjacent its threaded end and is' preferably provided with a retainerrib 5 at the extended end of the tube 3 to aid in holding the viewthereof end of the hose B thereon. The above described nipple is thetype employed in aircraft; for exaple, it is used between a fuel tankand the fuel hose leading therefrom.

My hose coupling includes a plurality of clamping segments 6 which areloosely assembled into a ring. Each clamping segment is provided with anaxial and accurately extending recess I. The

The first construction is shown inrecesses of the several segmentstogether define an annular axially directed channel. Each of therecesses istraversed by a radially extending pin 8. Between the pins ofthe several segments and the inner ends of the recesses I there isloosely positioned a retainer ring 9. By this means each of the clampingsegments is capable of limited universal or independent movementrelative to the other segments. Suflicient clearance is provided betweenthe segments so that they can move radially outwardly and inwardly asuiiicient distance to clear and to grip a hose. This movement is alsopermitted by reason of the fact that the radial width of the annularchannel defined by the recesses I is appreciably greater than thethickness of the retaining ring 9.

It is desirable that the clamping ring defined by the clamping segmentsnormally occupies an expanded position to facilitate insertion of thehose; This may be readily accomplished by an expansion ring In in theform of a wire looped within the channel defined by the axial recesses Iand bearing outwardly against the outer walls of the recesses.

The outer surfaces of the clamping segments are beveled to form cam orwedge faces II. The slope of the cam or wedge face of each segmentpreferably begins opposite the inner end of the axial recess andcontinues therefrom to the axial end of the segment opposite from theend in which the recess is formed. The cam or wedge faces define anannular substantially frustoconical surface which is adapted to beengaged by a corresponding internal surface l3 of a cam ring l2. The camring is provided with internal threads M which engage external threadsiii of a thrust ring it. The thrust ring has an internal diametersuificient to clear the hose as well as the tool-receiving portion 4 ofthe nipple I. The threaded end of the thrust ring is extends within thecam ring l2 and bears against the clamping segments 6.

The camp ring l2 and thrust ring I6 are provided with external flangesI1 and is which may be hexagonal in form to receive wrenches. Inaddition, holes l9 may be provided in the two flanges so that once theyare tightened, locking threaded together. Ineither case, the cam andthrust rings coact as they are screwthreaded together to constrict theclamping segments 5 about the hose, .By reason of the fact that eachclamping segment is loosely supported, it fully adjusts itself to thesurface of the hose and to the cam face it of the cam ring. Also, byreason of the loose relationship of the cam segments, there is nocumulative torsional load applied around the hose. Thus, all portions ofthe hose engaged by the clamping segments are forced radially inward.

Reference is now made to the construction shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Theclamping segments are essentially identical to the clamping segmentsshown in Figs. 1 and 2, and are similarly designated. This is also trueof the cam ring I 2. In place of the nipple I an integral nipple andthrust ring structure 2! is employed. This structure includes anexternally threaded end 22 and flange 23 from which extends an annularskirt 24 projected in the direction opposite from the threaded end '22,The externally threaded skirt 24 corresponds to the thrust ring it andreceives the cam ring l2.

Continuing from the threaded end 22 within the skirt 24 is a tube 25having an annular retaining rib 28 at its extended end.

The clamping segment assembly may be identical to that shown in Fig. l,or in place of the retainer ring 9 an annular lip 21 may extend from theskirt 24, The lip 21 is radially perforated to receive loosely thetraversing pins 8 so that the several clamping segments 6 are thusloosely supported from the skirt 24. The expansion ring Ill may or maynot be employed, as desired.

It should be pointed out that the lip 21 may be incorporated with thethrust ring 6, that is, may be employed in my form of hose couplingwhich is not integral with the nipple structure.

The o eration of the construction shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is essentiallythe same as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The threaded end 22 may bedesigned to connect into a wall of a tank, or may be threaded forconnection into a mating socket, and such a socket may form the end of acompanion hose coupling so that two lengths of hose may be joined by useof my hose coupling on the confronting ends of the hose.

The clamping segments may be divided by axially directed planes, or asshown in Fig. 5, their confronting faces may define helices as indicatedby 28, so that the points of contact of the segments circumferentiallyoverlap.

The inner surfaces of the clamping segments may be smooth, or may beprovided with rudimentary serrations 29, as shown in Fig. 6.

It should also be pointed out that the hose receiving ends of thesegments may be beveled as indicated by 30. The location of the retainerrib, such as retainer rib 26 in Fig. 3, may be beveled and located sothat the beveled portions of the rib and the beveled portions 30 coactto clamp the hose tightly against the rib.

Many other embodiments of the invention may be resorted to withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A hose coupling comprising: a thrust ring, and a cam ring, the latterhaving a tapered cam face; a plurality of clamping segments radiallyengaged by said cam ring and axially engaged by sai'dthrust ring; saidclamping segments defining compositely an annular axially directedchannel; an annular retaining ring loosely fitting said channel; andradial pins for loosely retaining said segments on said ring insubstantially equally spaced relation.

2. A hose coupling comprising: a nipple adapted to receive the end of ahose; a thrust ring and a cam ring adapted to fit over the end I 4 oi.the hose. said cam ring having a tapered cam face; a plurality ofclamping segments circumferentially engaged by said cam ring and axiallyengaged by said thrust ring to constrict about said hose; said clampingsegments defining compositely an annular axially directed channel; anannular retaining ring loosely fitting said channel; and radial pins forloosely retaining said segments on said ring in substantially equallyspaced relation.

3. A hose coupling comprising: a threaded thrust ring; a threaded camring adapted to screw thereon, said cam ring having an internal taperedcam face; a plurality of clamp segments within said cam ring for radialthrust by said cam 'face and axial thrust by said thrust ring; cir

cumferential axially directed loosely interiltting tongue and channelmeans incorporating said segments and said thrust ring; and radiallydirected connecting elements for individually connecting said clampelements to said thrust ring thereby to define a contractible annulus,said tongue and channel means permitting limited radial andcircumferential and twisting movement of the individual segments.

4. A hose coupling comprising: a nipple adapted to receive the end of ahose: a threaded thrust ring; a threaded cam ring adapted to screwthereon, said cam ring having an internal tapered cam face; a pluralityof clamp segments within said cam ring for radial thrust by said camface and axial thrustby said thrust ring said segments having axiallydirected recesses confronting said thrust ring, said thrust ring havingannular mounting means extending axially into said recesses; and meansfor loosely retaining the clamping segments in equally spaced relationon said mounting means whereby said segments form a contractible ring,said means permitting limited radial and circumferential and twistingmovement of the individual segments, said rings and clamps segmentsfitting over said hose and said cam segments adapted to be forcedradially against said hose upon screwthreading said rings together.

5. A construction as set forth in claim 4 wherein yieldable means areprovided for urging said clamp segments radially outwardly against thecam ring to facilitate insertion of said hose.

6. A hose coupling comprising: a thrust ring, and a cam ring, the latterhaving a tapered ,cam face; a hose engaging contractible ring radiallyengaged by said cam ring and axially engaged by said thrust ring, saidcontractible ring including a plurality of individual clamping segmentseach having an axially directed circumferentially extending recessdefining compositively an annular channel; a retainer ring looselyfitting said channel; and radially directed pins for loosely andindividually securing said segments thereon to form compositely acontractible annulus.

7. A hose coupling comprising: a threaded thrust ring; a threaded camring adapted to screw thereon, said cam ring having an internal taperedcam face; a hose clamping ring within said cam ring and defining amating cam face and an axially directed channel facing said thrust ring,said clamping ring including a plurality of individual arcuate segments;a'retainer ring loosely fitting in said channel; and connecting elementsfor loosely retaining said segments in substantially equally spacedrelation around said retainer ring.

8. A hose coupling comprising: a threaded thrust ring; a threaded camring adapted to anon-re screw thereon. said cam ring having an internaltapered cam face; a hose engaging contractible ring radially engaged bysaid cam ring and axially engaged by said thrust ring, said contractiblering including a plurality of individual clamping segments each havingan axial and circumferentially extending recess defining an annularchannel; a pin traversing the recess of each segment; and a retainingring receiving said pins to loosely retain said segments in theirrelative positions.

9. A hose coupling comprising: a nipple adapted to fit within a hose; anoverlying ring integral with said nipple and defining therewith anannular axially directed space adapted to receive the end of the hose; acam ring movable axially on said overlying ring, said cam ring having aninternal cam face; individual clamping segments surrounding the hosewithin said cam ring, said segments being radially engageable by saidcam ring and axially engageable by said overlying ring to clamp uponsaid hose; axially telescoping tongue and groove means incorporatingsaid segments 'compositely; and radially directed pivot meanspenetrating said tongue and groove means to loosely secure said segmentsin ring form.

10. A hose coupling comprising: a nipple adapted to fit within a hose;an overlying ring integral with said nipple and defining therewith anannular axially directed space adapted to receive the end of the hose; acam ring movable axially on said overlying ring, said cam ring having aninternal cam face; individual clamping segments surrounding the hosewithin said cam ring, said segments being radially engageable by saidcam ring and axially engageable by said overlying ring to clamp uponsaid hose; said clamping segments having axially and circumferentiallydirected recesses together defining an annular channel; a retaining ringloosely fitting said channel to permit individual radial movement ofsaid segments; and means for restricting said segments against relativecircumferential movement on said retainer ring.

11. A hose coupling comprising: a thrust ring; a plurality of clampingsegments axially confronting said thrust ring; loose fitting axiallytelescopingmeans incorporating the confronting portions of said thrustring and said clamping segments and permitting limited radial displace-5o 7 6 ment of said clamping segments; means for individuallyrestraining clamping segments against circumferential displacementrelative to said thrust ring; and a constricting ring fitting over saidclamping segments and engageable therewith to move said clampingsegments radially.

12. A hose coupling comprising: an annulus divided helically into aplurality of clamping segments; a retainer ring, said annulus andretainer ring axially telescoping; connecting means between theindividual segments of said annulus and said retainer ring torestrictsaid segments against relative circumferential movement butpermit individual radial movement thereof; and means encircling saidannulus to eflect constriction thereof.

13. A hose coupling comprising: a retainer ring; a plurality of clampingsegments; means for individually attaching said segments to saidretainer ring for limited independent radial and pivotal movement butrestraining said segments against relative circumferential movement; andmeans for constricting said segments including a thrust ring axiallyconfronting said segments and a cam ring encircling said segments.

14. A hose coupling comprising: a retainer ring; a plurality of clampingsegments; means for individually attaching said segments to saidretainer ring for limited independent radial and pivotal movement butrestraining said segments against relative circumferential movement; andyieldable means urging said segments to their radially expandedposition.

ALBERT P. LOFQUIST, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are oi record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name I Date 725,837 Gmeiner Apr. 21, 19032,205,347 Darling June 18, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date280,991 Germany Apr. 19, 1914 564,619 France Oct. 24, 1923 431,918 GreatBritain July 17, 1935

